breakthrough the first step to breakthrough (part 1...

Breakthrough (Part 1) The First Step to Breakthrough Unleashing God’s Power into Impossible Situations Psalm 23

For more resources, go to LivingontheEdge.org Copyright © 2018 Chip Ingram and Living on the Edge

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Introduction: God wants to unleash power into your impossible situation. Five Questions about Breakthrough: 1. What is a breakthrough?

Three key definitions:

1) “An offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare.”

Breakthroughs are not something you sit around and wait for.

God does it, but I have to take an offensive step forward to ACT on what I

believe is true and then TRUST God is going to supernaturally do the

impossible.

2) “An act or instance of breaking through a barrier.”

We get “stuck” –

Relationships False beliefs Addictions Personal history Lies Environment

Jesus promised: “I will be with you always,” and “All power is given unto Me.”

In other words, “You BELIEVE , you TRUST , and you’ll have BREAKTHROUGH .

3) “A sudden advance.”

“Faith doesn’t operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which man can do. Faith begins where man’s power ends.” George Mueller



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2. Is there a biblical pattern for breakthrough?

Great Need

Great Sin

Great Bondage

God’s Compassion

God’s Judgment

God Delivers

3. How did Jesus teach His disciples to experience and be agents of breakthrough?

1) Announce the “Good News!” Mark 1

This is what God has ALREADY done for you. Receive it; believe it; let it fill you up and then, out of thanksgiving and love, express that same kind of love to others - THAT’S the Good News.

REPENT - have a genuine change of mind about God and about yourself.

BELIEVE the Good News – that God loves you and is FOR you.

2) Defeat evil

3) Bring healing:

Jesus used His miraculous power for the benefit and good of the people.



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4) Lead by example:

When we draw near to the goodness of God, by faith, supernatural things happen.

DEMONSTRATES the goodness of God.

Jesus said: “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Mark 5:36

Jesus EXPECTS you to do impossible things.

Jesus asked: “What do you HAVE? Bring it to Me. Trust Me.

God EXPECTS to do impossible things in you and through you.

God wants to show up in ways that declare and reveal His glory and His goodness to people who have no idea that He loves them – THAT’S what breakthrough is about.

4. Is there historical precedent that breakthrough can happen in our day?

The entire book of Acts –

God, through very ordinary people who believed what He said, transformed the entire world.

List of Church-Age believers:

These are regular, ORDINARY people to whom God becomes so real

and so GOOD that they live out of what He’s already done for them and

they believe it to the point that they begin to look at other people as objects of God’s

love and mercy, and they begin to think, and act that way, and live with a joy

because they know, by their righteousness in Christ, that they already measure up –

THAT’S the gospel.



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5. How do you experience the first step of breakthrough?

1) BELIEVE that God is good.

2) EMBRACE that it’s God’s will to do the impossible in you and through you.

Jesus said: “ YOU feed them.” YOU reach your neighborhood. YOU be the breakthrough at work. YOU take the first step in the reconciliation. YOU break that addiction and bring other people with you.

All the power is already available, through Christ, to do it.

Assignment:

Read over Psalm 23, inserting your name in the blanks, at least once each day this week.

God’s Goodness to Me – Psalm 23 The Lord is _______________ Shepherd, _______________ lacks nothing. He

makes _______________ lie down in green pastures, He leads

_______________ beside quiet waters, He refreshes _______________ soul.

He guides _______________ along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even

though _________ ____ walks through the darkest valley, _______________ will

fear no evil, for You are with _______________; Your rod and Your staff, they

comfort ______________. You prepare a table before ______________ in the

presence of _______________ enemies. You anoint _______________ head

with oil; _______________ cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will

follow _______________ all the days of _______________ life, and

_______________ will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Breakthrough (Part 2) Making Room for Breakthrough Unleashing God’s Power into Impossible Situations Isaiah 54:2-3


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Introduction: Can you imagine…?

What is breakthrough? What is the biblical pattern of breakthrough? Great Need

The Pattern Applies In…

Great Sin Individuals

Great Bondage Groups Families Churches Nations

God’s Judgment

God’s Delivery God’s deliverance comes through a clear, strong vision of God’s goodness and mercy, birthed in ordinary people, meeting the “Great Need” by unleashing God’s power into impossible situations. (i.e. – Old Testament, New Testament, Church History)



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The Question: How does breakthrough actually happen? The Answer: The pathway to breakthrough involves…. 1. The SOVEREIGN work of God in the world. Job 42:2

Exterior pressures

Internal deterioration

Global crisis

2. The SOVEREIGN work of God in His people.

Individual breakthroughs

Church / group breakthroughs

Communities impacted

City movements birthed

Nations transformed

3. The SOVEREIGN work of God through His people.

Neighbors known and loved

Coworkers observe excellence, integrity, and concern

Communities deepest needs met

Cities see 10% of population converted

Educational, governmental, corporate, and entertainment cultures transformed



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Your personal pathway to breakthrough

Action step: Repent and believe in the “Good News.” Mark 1:15

Truth: God is good! Psalm 23 God wants to bless you and all you do! Question: From where or from whom do you believe the “good” in life will come?

Action step: Make room in your life to receive God’s breakthrough! James 4:7-10

Truth: It is the goodness (kindness, tolerance, and patience) of God that leads us to repentance! … a change of mind that always leads to a change of behavior. Romans 2:45 Question: How do we repent and “make room”: for God’s supernatural power and blessing? Answer:

SUBMIT therefore to God. James 4:7a

RESIST and the devil will FLEE James 4:7b

DRAW NEAR to God and He will DRAW NEAR to you. James 4:8a

WASH your hands and PURIFY your heart. James 4:8b

GRIEVE MOURN WAIL change…. James 4:9

HUMBLE yourself, and He will EXALT you. James 4:10



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Assignment: Soak in God’s goodness

Prayerfully read through Psalm 23 each day this week.

Make Room for a Breakthrough

Discuss and act on the questions below and expect to see God lift you up!

Discussion Questions: 1. What did you learn about how God orchestrates breakthrough in people, groups, and

nations that gave you hope?

2. How has God demonstrated His goodness in your life? List 4-5 specific ways in just the last week or month.

3. If someone videoed your life the last 30 days, what would your lifestyle indicate concerning “from where or from whom you believe the ‘good’ in life can be found?”

4. As we studied the verbs in James 4:7-10 and the promises; what do you need to begin doing this week to “make room” for God’s supernatural breakthrough and blessings?

Breakthrough (Part 3) Courage – The Catalyst Unleashing God’s Power into Impossible Situations to Breakthrough Mark 6:30 - 9:32


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Introduction: A brief review 1. We must BELIEVE God is good for breakthrough to begin.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

Jesus wants to do the impossible in and through your life. 2. We must “ MAKE ROOM ” for breakthrough by removing the idols in our lives.

Submit therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. …Humble yourself before the Lord and He will exalt you. James 4:7-10 (NIV)

God must work deeply in us before He will work powerfully through us.

The Problem: Fear The Answer: Courage The Story: “Get out of the boat” Matthew 14:22-33



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Six barriers to experiencing breakthrough

Courage “steps out” and overcomes the barriers of…

1. Our TRADITIONS . Mark 7:1-23

2. Our UNWORTHINESS . Mark 7:24-30

3. Our DEAFNESS . Mark 7:31-37

4. Our LACK OF RESOURCES . Mark 8:1-21

5. Our BLINDNESS . Mark 8:22-26

6. Our SELF INTEREST . Mark 8:27-38

Analysis

1. Who experienced supernatural breakthroughs of God’s power? Who didn’t? 2. What did each group do?

3. What lessons did Jesus want His disciples (and us) to learn about Him, themselves, and “stepping out?”



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How do weak people get great courage? Jesus teaches us that “looking up” is the secret to “stepping out.”

Mark 8:17 – 9:29

o The question your must answer Mark 8:27

o The path you must take Mark 8:34

o The vision you must acquire Mark 9:2

Analysis 1. Fear keeps us from “ STEPPING OUT ” to unleash God’s power into

impossible situations.

2. “Stepping out” requires COURAGE ; the power to act despite our fears. 3. Courage demands FAITH that God will do what He has promised. 4. Faith is the result of seeing Jesus UP CLOSE and for who He is. 5. Prayer is God’s INVITATION to see Jesus “up close” and believe He will do

the impossible for you. 6. Fasting is choosing to remove whatever DISTRACTS us from seeing and

experiencing Jesus for who He is. *Jesus’ practices for your study: Mark 1:35 Mark 3:13 Mark 6:45-46 Mark 9:7 Mark 9:29 Mark 11:23-24

Luke 6:12



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Assignment: Set aside 5 minutes each day this week for adoration and praise with thanksgiving for

who God is and what He has done for you.

Discussion Questions: 1. Where do you sense God is asking you to “step out” and trust His goodness and

power?

personally? in a relationship? in a circumstance?

2. What “fears” are you battling that have been holding you back?

3. What aspect or truth in today’s message helped you the most? Why?

4. What do you need to do to grow in courage? What courageous step do you need to take this week?

5. Who can you ask to help you follow up and follow through on your application and step of faith?

Breakthrough (Part 4) Absolutely Small - Unleashing God’s Power into Impossible Situations The Birthplace of Breakthrough John 4 & The Book of Acts


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Quick Review: The Journey to Breakthrough

• We must believe God is good for breakthrough to begin. • We must “make room” for breakthrough by removing the idols in our lives. • Fear keeps us from “stepping out” to unleash God’s power into impossible situations. • “Stepping out” requires courage; the power to act despite our fears. • Courage demands faith; that God will do what He has promised. • Faith is the result of seeing Jesus “up close” and for who He is. • Prayer is God’s invitation to see Jesus “up close” and believe He will do the impossible for you. • Fasting is choosing to remove whatever distracts us from seeing and experiencing Jesus for who He is. • Absolutely Small (size absolutely matters) only “in reverse,” to birth and sustain breakthrough.



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How Jesus “reached” a city: A lesson for His disciples John 4

1. Where did the Breakthrough begin?

2. Whom did Jesus choose to use?

3. How did she “make room” for Breakthrough?

4. What “courageous step” did she take?

5. What was the result?

6. What did Jesus want His disciples to learn . . .

o about Himself?

o about themselves?

o about breakthroughs?

Timeless axiom: Unlikely, supernatural breakthroughs are not dependent on a

FUTURE work of God, but a PRESENT work of “one”.

John 4:34-39



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How His followers “reached” the world: A Lesson for Us Book of Acts

1. Where did breakthrough begin?

2. Whom did Jesus choose to use?

3. How did they “make room” for breakthrough?

4. What “courageous steps” did they take?

5. What was/is the result?

6. What does Jesus want us to learn . . .

o about Himself?

o about ourselves?

o about breakthroughs? Timeless axiom: Breakthroughs are fueled by COMPASSION and birthed in biblical COMMUNITY .



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Action Steps: 1. PRAY fervently and desperately.

2. EXTEND God’s compassion to someone or a group in need this week.

3. JOIN or START a small group to pursue breakthrough “in” you and

then “through” you.

Discussion Questions: 1. What was your biggest “take away” from this lesson? Why?

2. How does the kind of people Jesus used to reach a city give you hope? confidence? courage?

3. How does knowing God “has been” and “is” working in the lives of your family, friends, neighbors, fellow students, and co-workers empower you to share Jesus’ love in word and action?

4. What are you going to do to fuel your breakthrough and sustain its power?

Breakthrough (Part 5) What’s Next? Making Unleashing God’s Power into Impossible Situations Breakthrough Your New Normal Psalm 27


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Introduction:

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through

perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 (NASB)

David – An unlikely choice 1 Samuel 16

David – Does the impossible 1 Samuel 17

David – His life after breakthrough 1 Samuel 18 – 2 Samuel

o The Good

o The Bad

o The Ugly

David – His legacy of breakthrough 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Acts 13:22



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How did David habitually unleash God’s power into impossible situations?

A Peek into David’s Journal: Psalm 27 (NIV)

1. He is a BOLD risk-taker:

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me to devour me,

it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. Psalm 27:1-3

2. He is a PASSIONATE worshiper:

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple.

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling;

He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;

at His sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD. Psalm 27:4-6



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3. He is a WOUNDED healer:

Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of You, “Seek His face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Do not hide Your face from me,

do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Teach me Your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path

because of my oppressors. Psalm 27:7-11

4. He is a FIERCE warrior:

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,

for false witnesses rise up against me,

spouting malicious accusations. Psalm 27:12

5. He is a FAITHFUL servant:

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

A prescription for our journey:



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Discussion Questions: 1. What aspect of David’s life most encouraged you? Why?

2. Why do you think God is so willing to use unlikely people? People who fail?

3. What was it about David’s private life with God that spoke to you? What aspect of

David’s life do you need to emulate in this season of your life?

4. What can we EXPECT when God does impossible things through us? Why is it critical

to remember the “Joseph Journey”?

5. How does 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 shape your view of how supernatural power is released

in us and through us?

Helpful Resources on “Breakthrough”: Culture Making by Andy Crouch Gospel by J. D. Greear Gods at War by Kyle Idelman Good to Great in God’s Eyes by Chip Ingram Magnificent Prayer by Nick Harrison

breakthrough the first step to breakthrough (part 1...

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